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Indians looking for more

The general thought with the Indians is that top prospects Drew Pomeranz, Lonnie Chisenhall, Jason Kipnis and Alex White are untouchable in trade talks. General manager Chris Antonetti would not go that far when asked about his top prospects earlier this week.

“People have asked me that question a lot,” Antonetti said. “Any GM, I think, would be hard-pressed to say that anybody is untouchable, because for the right combination of players in return, you have to be open minded to trade anybody.”

Cleveland’s Big Four are untouchable when it comes to two-month rental-type acquisitions. For players who are under contractual control for a few more seasons, though, the Tribe is keeping an open mind.

The Indians are reportedly one of a handful of teams talking to the Rockies about star pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez, who is signed through 2012 with club options through 2014. According to FOX Sports, Colorado has asked for Pomeranz as a starting point for a potential deal. The Tribe is extremely reluctant to move the big lefty.

Beyond starting pitching, the Indians are still in the hunt for offensive help. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter), Cleveland is “making a strong push” for Padres outfielder Ryan Ludwick. The outfielder is hitting .238/.302/.373 with 11 homers and 62 RBIs this year for San Diego.

Ludwick suited up for the Tribe for parts of the 2003-2005 seasons and Cleveland was actually involved in the three-team deal that sent Ludwick from the Cardinals to the Padres on July 31 last year.

On Thursday, the Indians acquired outfielder Kosuke Fukudome from the Cubs in exchange for two Minor Leaguers (outfielder Abner Abreu and pitcher Carlton Smith). The Tribe is in need of outfield help with both Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore out due to injury.

–Jordan Bastian

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1 Comment

No doubt Fukudome is a good defender and can get on base regularly in the nl,
but my concern is that he doesn’t know the al pitchers and his rbi productionh is almost nil! WE need people to drive in runs!

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